Pakistan and Japan agree to deepen bilateral ties

TOKYO: Pakistan and Japan have agreed to further deepen their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and Information Technology.

Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made the statement at a joint press conference along with his Japanese counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo.

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The two sides also decided to strengthen their collaboration in the areas of human resource development, tourism, and agriculture, according to the foreign minister.

According to Bilawal, Pakistan and Japan have also decided to look at ways to collaborate on specific projects involving solarization, desalination, water purification, and the reconstruction of housing structures in Pakistani flood-affected areas.

In order to ease the export of skilled labor, the two parties agreed to undertake language proficiency assessments for the Japanese language in Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said both sides also deliberated on scores of joint ventures by Japanese enterprise in Pakistan.

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He said Pakistan and Japan have cordial relations and are longstanding friends and share special bond, based on deep rooted linkages that go far in history and time. Also said people of Pakistan carry deep sentiments of warmth and affection for Japan and its people.

He said Pakistan attaches high importance to its relationship with Japan as both countries have also stood with each other in times of need. On the occasion, Bilawal expressed his gratitude to his Japanese counterpart for hosting him and his delegation.